1.5 million funding from Province of Groningen for innovative technology in the region

The University of Groningen will receive nearly 1.5 million euros in funding from the Province of Groningen to assist entrepreneurial academic researchers in developing innovative ideas into a startup. The 3-year pilot project ‘Deep Tech Fellows’ is designed to boost green chemistry, robotics and medical technology in the region, among others.

Although there is plenty of potential in Groningen, the number of successful startups remains low compared to other regions. Within the pilot, 18 doctoral students (PhDs) from the Faculty of Science and Engineering will get the opportunity to commercialize their technological invention.

Deeptech

The so-called 'Deeptech' startups need to offer solutions to societal challenges in the areas of climate, food, security and health with new and advanced technologies. They develop products or offer services in areas such as energy transition, mobility, biotechnology, nanotechnology, digital (financial) platforms, quantum, healthcare, circularity of raw materials and products.

Good example from Zurich

Candidates join the university for a year, receive mentoring and learn about entrepreneurship. Experts from business, knowledge institutions and investors do the recruitment and selection of candidates. The method is devised based on a successful model from the Zurich University of Technology.

Funding Nationaal Programma Groningen

The pilot will receive nearly €1.5 million in funding from the Nationaal Programma Groningen. With this, 18 ideas with the potential to grow into a company can be supported over the next three years. The pilot should strengthen the future-proofing of the economy and the sustainability of industry in the province of Groningen. 

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• Subsidie voor meer inovatieve technologie in de regio (Provincie Groningen)